What makes a good blocker?

Well, a big jump and hands the size of catcher's mitts don't hurt. But perhaps they are not as crucial as good eyes. Players learning to use their visual skills as blockers can dramatically enhance their blocking success. Blockers learning to look through the net at the attacker, prior to and during the attacking motion, are a basic component of the fundamental blocking technique.

Typically the blocker will make the mistake of looking at the ball, (similar to rebounding in basketball), to determine when to jump. The problem with this technique is that the ball provides no other information to the blocker. By properly focusing on the attacker during her approach, jump, and arm swing, the blocker can gain many valuable cues.

At the beginning level of learning blocking technique, there are two critical points of visual focus.  The first is the ball as it leaves the setter's hand. By viewing the ball's flight immediately after the setter contact, the blocker can judge three important factors

1. The height of the set-tells the blocker how quickly they need to be positioned to jump
2. The width of the set-tells the blocker whether to move left or right for proper position
3. The depth of set (how far is the ball set off the net?)-also tells the blocker where to set the block; left or right. This may also affect timing of the jump in extreme cases, for example, jumping slightly later on a ball that is set well off the net.

The second critical point is the ability to change focus away from the ball and on to the attacker. This change should be made well before the attacker contacts the ball.

This allows the blocker to see the approach line which most of the times will dictate the attack line.

Other advantages of seeing the attacker are: identifying poor approaches to call down ball, seeing potential wipes off the blocker's hands, calling free balls and not jumping when the attacker fails to jump.

As the level of skill and ability increases, it is important for the blockers to develop visual skills that allow them to make several changes of focus in proper sequence.

The sequence is as follows:

1. The pass and the approaches of all attackers;
2. The setter
3. the set
4. the attacker.

1. The blocker should keep a broad focus (using peripheral vision.) Do not focus on any one player, but instead see all three approaches as well as the initial flight of the pass.
2. As soon as this information has been received, the blockers should shift their eyes to a narrow focus on the setter. This focus change should be made as far before setter contact as possible. This allows the blocker to read the setter's idiosyncrasies which should tell the blocker where the set is going to be delivered.
3. As the ball leaves the setter's hands, the blocker should momentarily focus on the ball to determine the height, width, and depth of the set.
4. The eyes should finally focus on the attacker and stay there until the attack is completed. This visual change should also occur as early as possible to obtain maximum information from the attacker. By keeping the eyes on the attacker throughout the entire attack, the ball will naturally come into the blocker's field of vision.

Changing a visual habit, like changing any habit, requires a desire to become better, patience, and many repetitions during practice.

Hot Tips on visual techniques for better blocking!!

• As the level of skill and ability increase, it is important for the blockers to develop visual skills that allow them to make several changes of focus in proper sequence.
• The blocker should keep a broad focus ( using peripheral vision.) Do not focus on any one player, but instead see all three approaches as well as the initial flight of the pass.
• As soon as this information has been received, the blockers should shift their eyes to a narrow focus on the setter. This allows the blocker to read the setter's tendencies.
• As the ball leaves the setter's hands, the blocker should momentarily focus on the ball to determine the direction, height, width, and depth of the set.
• The eyes should finally focus on the attacker and stay there until the attack is completed. This visual change should also occur as early as possible.

HOT TIPS #2 for blocking!!

• Keep your knees flexed at all times.
• Keep your arms up at all times. It gets them to the blocking area more quickly and more consistently.
• Don't be a leaner. EVER. Commit to the hitter and stick with it. Key on the pass. It dictates what will follow.
• Watch the setter to see the direction and height of the set and the distance from the net.
• Watch the hitter's approach and set the block on that line.  
• Penetrate your hands over the net. Use the wrists, not the fingertips. The hands will follow.